demilune

American  

[dem-i-loon] / ˈdɛm ɪˌlun /

noun

1. a crescent.

2. Fortification. an outwork resembling a bastion with a crescent-shaped gorge.

3. a crescent or half-moon shape, as of the top of a piece of furniture.

---

adjective

1. shaped like a crescent.

demilune British  

/ -ˌljuːn, ˈdɛmɪˌluːn /

noun

1. fortifications an outwork in front of a fort, shaped like a crescent moon

2. a crescent-shaped object or formation; half-moon

---

Etymology

Origin of demilune

1720–30; < French: half moon. See demi-, lune ¹

Example Sentences

The outdoor space consists of a tiny demilune balcony that overlooks the sea.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2024

Sunlight cascades through the demilune and tall windows into the great room with its 18-foot vaulted barrel ceiling made of narrow pine slats.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2015

The small demilune fort, with its four cannon, that was intended to guard the harbour, was also deserted.

From The Monarchs of the Main, Volume II (of 3) Or, Adventures of the Buccaneers by Thornbury, Walter

He had need of his wisest thoughts; for the victorious Brownies were already beyond the outer line of the demilune, steadily driving Heady and his division before them.

From Old Farm Fairies: A Summer Campaign In Brownieland Against King Cobweaver's Pixies by McCook, Henry Christopher

Whereupon he plunged again into the flood, and aided by one or two others soon had the raft free from the entangling remains of the demilune.

From Old Farm Fairies: A Summer Campaign In Brownieland Against King Cobweaver's Pixies by McCook, Henry Christopher